Charlton Recreation Area
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens April 13, 2026. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Extreme Cold Warning issued January 22 at 11:40AM CST until January 26 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Little Rock AR
* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills of 5 below to colder than 15 below zero expected. * WHERE...Portions of central, eastern, north central, southeast, southwest, and western Arkansas. * WHEN...From midnight Friday Night to noon CST Monday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 5 to colder than 15 below zero could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.
Winter Storm Warning issued January 22 at 10:11AM CST until January 25 at 6:00PM CST by NWS Little Rock AR
* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and some sleet accumulations between 4 and 10 inches across northern sections...sleet and some snow accumulation of 1 to 4 inches over central sections...and sleet and ice accumulations around one to three quarters of an inch across far southern and southeast sections. * WHERE...Portions of central, eastern, north central, southeast, southwest, and western Arkansas. * WHEN...From noon Friday to 6 PM CST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Expect power outages and tree damage due to the ice. Travel could be impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.
About
Charlton Recreation Area is a historic campground constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, nestled in a valley between tree-covered mountains along Walnut Creek, a spring-fed stream. Located 17 miles west of Hot Springs National Park along Highway 270, this well-shaded campground offers 47 campsites across three loops with varying amenities. Loop A provides basic tent camping with no hookups but community water spigots. Loop B offers RV sites with 30-50 amp electrical service and water connections. Loop C features sites with 30-amp electrical service and water connections. Some sites include sewer connections, and a dump station is available. The recreation area is renowned for its spring-fed swimming site, which maintains some of the coldest water temperatures in Arkansas even during peak summer months. The historic native stone dam and rustic bathhouse built by the CCC in 1935 add to the site's charm. A 1-mile nature trail loops through the campground, and the area provides access to the 40-mile Lake Ouachita Vista Trail. Walnut Creek runs through the campground, offering opportunities for wading and fishing outside the swimming area. The day use area features a large pavilion and amphitheater for group gatherings.
Directions
From Hot Springs, drive 17 miles west on Highway 270. The recreation area is located along Highway 270.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | Yes |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $15 - $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (870) 867-2101 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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